2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

The 2.0-liter turbodiesel under the hood of the 328d wagon asks $1500 over its gasoline-powered equivalent. Knowing this, you might wonder, “Why diesel?” What do you get for that premium?

For starters, diesel’s higher energy content means a quite substantial improvement in fuel economy. Rated at 31/43 mpg city/hwy, the diesel gains 9/10 mpg over the gasoline car’s rating. On top of that, gas-powered BMWs require premium fuel,and it’s more expensive than diesel according to current national averages. Using figures of 15,000 annual miles and current average fuel prices, the 328d’s fuel savings versus the 328i total roughly $650 a year. That means recovering the premium paid for the diesel takes a little more than 2 years, a short amount of time when compared to how long it takes to recover the premium paid for some hybrid powertrains.

Despite having a fuel tank 0.8 gallon smaller than the 328i (that space is reserved for Diesel Exhaust Fluid), the fuel economy advantage also means the 328d can go 114 miles farther per tank. I see more than 500 miles on the range display after most fill-ups, which is a pleasant sight. During a recent trip to Sacramento, the range estimate showed more than 600 miles, meaning I could make the drive without having to stop for fuel. I wish my bladder were as efficient.

The trip provided a good opportunity to test BMW‘s Eco Pro mode. I drove north as I would normally, with the drive mode set to Comfort and with cruise control on. That trip netted 36.2 mpg, which isn’t bad considering the high average speed I maintained. On the way back to Los Angeles, I drove the same way, but in EcoPro. Accessed through the drive mode selector toggle, Eco Pro makes the car behave more economically, with a softer throttle, less aggressive shifting, and reduced air conditioning, among other things. It encourages efficient driving with a ticker that counts miles saved and by scoring your traffic anticipation and braking. I tried following the guides, but quickly reverted back to how I normally drive. Even so, on this trip, I averaged 42.3 mpg. With a two-way average of 38.9 mpg, I’m happy with the 328d’s fuel economy.

My impromptu test was hardly scientific, but that’s why we have Emissions Analytics. In its regimented tailpipe sniffing test, the 328d returned 29.8/44.2/34.9 mpg city/hwy/combined. Though its city mpg falls slightly short of the EPA’s rating, the 328d makes up for it on the freeway and ultimately matches the combined rating. Either way, the diesel makes a strong case for itself.

0-60 MPH

Real MPG

Safety (IIHS)

2014 BMW 3-Series News and Reviews

Sporty cars aren't necessarily practical purchases. Usually. Life has a way of forcing us to prioritize function over fun, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little of both. Here are some true sporty cars that won't leave you hanging for that midweek grocery run or trip to the airport.Make the most of your reading experience - view all…

Although some vehicles feel smaller inside than their exterior presence would suggest, other vehicles are roomier inside than you might guess from their small exterior dimensions. Sometimes it's clever utilization of space, and other times style and design can make a car feel larger than it is. Here, 15 cars we've found to be or feel larger than their exterior…

Motor Trend tests dozens of vehicles every year, everything from fuel misers to speed demons. Among them are a number of cars that are quick in a straight line and also surprisingly fuel efficient. In celebration of Earth Day, here are the 20 vehicles we've tested that are quickest to 60 mph but also achieve at least 30 MPG on…

A panoramic sunroof is a larger-than-average sunroof able to open and let in light and some fresh air. Nomenclature varies, but sunroof, moonroof, and "Vista" roof are all talking about the same thing. The number of vehicles available with these plus-size, glass-covered holes easily approaches 100 models, so we narrowed the field with some criteria: less than $50,000 (MSRP including…

The BMW 328d wagon was easy to like when it showed up last year. It was unique in all the right ways: sharply styled, functional, and optioned to the hilt (including launch control!). Its diesel powertrain made it all the more interesting, promising better fuel economy and plentiful torque. I knew I'd like it, but over the last year and…